Disqualification When Judge’s Son Serves As Police Officer

Reviewing an ethics advisory opinion, the New Jersey Supreme Court has held that a municipal court judge whose child serves as a police officer in the municipality is barred from hearing cases involving that police department.

The judge also may not supervise other judges who hear cases involving the municipal police department.

The unanimous court concluded that an “informed and reasonable person” could  question the judge’s impartiality under the circumstances.

The judge had sought review of an opinion of the Advisory Committee on Extraudicial Activities. (Mike Frisch)